Jan. 21, 2009 -- Take two of the most iconic names in golf and entertainment, throw in some of the best players in the world, famous celebrities and the home of Western Golf and what do you have? This week's 50th Bob Hope Classic hosted by Arnold Palmer. And how do you prepare to host such a high-profile event? The Director of Golf at PGA West, Brad Benkey, shared his thoughts with PGA.com.

PGA.com: This is such a big year for this event, and for PGA West to be the home host course, that has to add a special significance for the course, right?

Benkey: Absolutely. This is great for the course, great for everyone here and I really believe it will be great for the fans and the event itself. We take a lot of pride in hosting this tournament and I think the tournament organizers know and appreciate that. PGA West is the Western Home of golf, it's a special place. All four courses that are taking part in this tournament are spectacular, and as the host course, we are even more excited to be a part of this great tournament.

PGA.com: Why do you think the tournament came back to PGA West this year?

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Benkey: I'd like to think it's a number of reasons. The courses used recently are really nice courses but I think we are able to offer certain things like a better location that will be better for the tournament. I think the protection of the mountains will mean less wind to affect play and more equitable playing conditions for the entire field on any of the courses at any part of the day. So that alone I think is a big reason. But we also offer the best conditions you could find, a great championship layout, tremendous scenery, the whole gamut of what you'd want from a top notch event.

PGA.com: Well speaking of top notch, you have some big names on this event: Bob Hope and Arnold Palmer in one title. What's that mean for golf?

Arnold Palmer's ever enduring appeal adds a special charm to this year's tournament. (Photo: Getty Images)

Benkey: Arnie is "The King." This being the 50th Bob Hope Classic, this was already a tremendous honor to host. But with Arnold Palmer's name on it too, you just feel really excited about representing the very best of the golf world. Everyone not only knows Arnold Palmer, it's everyone loves him. We are going to put on a show worthy of what he means to golf.

PGA.com: What kind of condition is the course in? Many golf fans recall the 59 shot there by David Duval in 1999. Is this an easy course?

Benkey: The course is in perfect condition, just superb. And the weather has been incredibly nice so far this week. And as far as the low scores go, it's not an easy course, but if there's no wind, and with the pristine conditions we offer, you can see the best players in the world put up some impressive numbers. This course can be a beast if the wind is up. But think of kicking field goals is easier in a dome, with no wind here, knocking irons close and putting is so much easier. If the weather cooperates, you'll see some low numbers here this week I'm sure. Maybe another 59.

PGA.com: So in addition to many of the best players in the world, you have some of the most famous celebrities taking part in this event. Does that present any special challenge in getting set up?

Benkey: No, we're providing top services no matter who is here. But in all honesty, it's fun for us, for the staff and fans to see some of the celebrities. To interact with them, to see how they are up close, it's fun. It can be exciting in a way. At the same time, we're here to do our jobs and make their experience as worthwhile as we can, and we never lose sight of that.

PGA.com: Can you define what would make this a successful week?

Benkey: Well, we're all still alive at the end. [laughter]. It's a chaotic week, so much energy and excitement. But when it's all over, if we have some great golf to look back on, from the amateurs and the Tour players, and the feedback we receive is what we expect, then we'll be able to say it was a good week. Actually, we know what our very high expectations are -- and our goal is to meet and then exceed them by the end of the weekend.